4 Unbelievably Gorgeous Parks to Visit In Your Campervan Near San Francisco

While you are visiting San Francisco, you can enjoy some of the city’s iconic destinations: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, the Exploratorium, and more. But with its location close to Yosemite National Park as well as a few other natural parks of international renown, you would be remiss not to take a few drives in your motorhome or campervan while in the area. Here are some spectacular parks near San Francisco to put on your bucket list.

1. Del Valle Regional Park

To begin your tour of some of the amazing nature parks near San Francisco, drive a little more than an hour east of town to Del Valle Regional Park. In this large park, you will find yourself surrounded by hillsides carpeted in oak trees. You can hike or ride a horse to explore 4,395 acres of scenic land surrounding the central five-mile lake. The lake can be used for swimming, boating and other water-oriented activities. Del Valle Regional Park is also the perfect staging ground for exploring the nearby Ohlone Wilderness.

2. Sequoia National Forest

Hopefully you are up for a longer drive—because this one is well worth it. Heading around six hours southeast from San Francisco, you will reach the famous Sequoia National Forest. Here you can visit the Trail of 100 Giants and other famous hiking paths, the majestic sequoia trees towering high overhead. You will feel as if you have been swept off to a fairytale forest, surrounded by beauty you’ll never forget.

3. Kings Canyon National Park

Also to the east of San Francisco—and north of Sequoia National Forest—is Kings Canyon National Park. It is actually a shorter drive from San Francisco—closer to 4 hours. Here you will find more sequoia trees, along with many different geological features to explore: canyons, mountains, caverns and more.

In both Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park, you will find that there are number of picturesque campgrounds where you can park your motorhome or campervan. Some of the sites take reservations, while others are first-come first-serve. It is helpful to know in advance that there are no RV hookups available in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon.

4. Yosemite National Park

By far the most famous park near San Francisco is Yosemite National Park. Because the park is almost directly east of San Francisco, the drive to reach it is actually even shorter than the one you need to take to Kings Canyon or Sequoia. You can get to the park in around three and half hours. A lot of people travel from the other side of the globe to get here, so you should take advantage of the chance to visit while you were nearby.

Once in Yosemite, you will be treated to some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the world. Originally declared a national park clear back in 1864, Yosemite is a land of open meadows, vertical cliff faces, soaring sequoia trees, and deep blue lakes.

Here you will also discover some of the most spectacular campgrounds imaginable. While some of them are available without reservations, many of the most scenic sights do require that you book in advance. As reservations go quickly, you should try to make your booking as early as possible. Some campgrounds have dump stations and showers, while others do not. So be sure to check the amenities lists before you decide on a campground.

Once you drive to some of these gorgeous natural parks, you will fall in love with the area surrounding the Golden Gate City. Indeed, more than just the home of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco truly is a “golden gate” to America’s natural wonders.